Our Environment

Green computing is the practice of using computer resources more efficiently. This can include developing hardware using sustainable practices and developing hardware and software that is more energy efficient. Developing an achievable green computing strategy can not only help the environment but it can also result in a savings of billions in energy cost each year. Nearly 2% of the worlds energy consumption is dedicated to network and data centers.

Many companies are adopting green computing strategies not only for desktops but also for their industrial computer applications. The power consumption from the machines as well as the complex cooling systems that are required can cost a large company hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

Green computing can also be applied to everyday mobile devices, such as PDA's or cell phones. Mobile devices such as these rely on an embedded computer to control the power usage. Manufacturers are constantly striving for techniques to make the devices more energy efficient.

Video games may not directly help the environment, but they can help increase our awareness of environmental concerns. Over 60% of adults enjoy free online games and console video game sales have eclipsed Hollywood box office earnings. With a constantly growing audience that varies widely demographically, video game publishers are releasing games into more niche markets tailored for those who do not necessarily enjoy the first person blood baths of the more popular games.

The Serious Games Initiative is working to apply the video game medium to further awareness of educational, social, and environmental issues. Among these serious games is CO2FX, which explores the relationship of global warming to economic, political and policy factors. This web based game provides a multi user environment that illustrates the far reaching effects of decisions made by corporate and political entities. The game is free to play and can be found at www.globalwarminginteractive.com.

Overall the game is a refreshing break from the regular games available, but if your looking for a quick 10 minute break from work, then you are better off sticking with the online puzzle or racing games.

With each passing year, the number of environmental liability lawsuits continues to increase. Regulations in most industrialized countries continue to place more and more responsibility for environmental hazards on the actual property owners, even if they were the direct result of actions taken by the renter. It is now more important than ever that landlords require extensive

Possible environmental problems that can be attributed to negligent tenants include mold, improperly stored fuel or containers, and the burning of toxic materials. None of these hazards are covered by standard landlord insurance policies.

The importance of tenant referencing is especially relevant when considering the risk of renting to those who engage in illegal activities, such as the production of methamphetamine's. These activities can lead to enormous hazardous waste and immense clean up cost. Most all jurisdictions will hold the property owners liable.

If you are considering becoming a landlord, be sure to invest in the proper background checks. It may save you thousands of dollars and it could prevent damage to your local environment.

Credit card companies are jumping on the "green" bandwagon by offering their environmentally aware customers new eco-friendly options for their reward points. Customers can now use their points to buy environmentally friendly products or they can donate rewards points or earnings to their favorite environmental charity.

Stiff competition and increased scrutiny in credit card processing and credit card issuing practices have led the industry to consider new and innovative methods to appeal to new market segments. Some of the worlds largest credit card issuers are now offering green programs for their growing base of environmentally conscience customers.

Some of the new green programs include:

Consumers with a Wells Fargo rewards card can now use their points to back renewable-energy projects. With points ranging from 5,000 to 10,000, they can support the development of green power.

Bank of America's WorldPoints Rewards card holders can use points to buy environmental merchandise. Card holders will be given the option to donate points to groups that invest in greenhouse gas reduction.

Citigroup will soon add environmental products to their rewards catalog that will include recycled milk-carton furniture and compost systems.

Green Merchant Alliance, a company that provides credit card merchant services, donates 15% of it's profits to clean energy projects all at no additional cost to the participating merchants.

Bright Planet, an organization that is helping in fight against climate change, will issue a card that will donate money to clean-energy projects each time they are used.

How much do you know about energy consumption? Take the following quiz, the answers may surprise you!

1. Burning which fossil fuel emits the least carbon
dioxide (CO2)?
a. Natural gas
b. Oil
c. Coal

2. How much oil does it take to produce the
100,000,000,000 plastic bags used in the United
States of America every year?
a. 190,000 litres
b. 19,000,000 litres
c. 190,000,000 litres
d. 1,900,000,000 litres

3. Which uses the most energy each year worldwide?
a. Motor vehicle transport
b. Air travel
c. Home heating
d. Home air-conditioning

4. Which country developed the first windmills?
a. The Netherlands
b. Egypt
c. Iran
d. India

5. What percentage of energy used around the
world comes from fossil fuels?
a. 10 per cent
b. 25 per cent
c. 50 per cent
d. 90 per cent

6. Where does geothermal heat come from?
a. Earth’s core
b. Sun
c. Wind
d. Ocean

7. How much has global energy use grown in the
last 30 years?
a. 55 per cent
b. 70 per cent
c. 85 per cent
d. 100 per cent

8. How much of the energy used by the world’s
people currently comes from renewable sources?
a. 33 per cent
b. 20 per cent
c. 10 per cent
d. 5 per cent

ANSWERS: 1a, 2d, 3a, 4c, 5d, 6a, 7b, 8c

Courtesy of http://www.ourplanet.com